Although seemingly trivial, handlebar end caps can mean the difference between a great ride and a not-so-great one. To make sure that you have a great ride, it’s important to choose the right end caps for your bike. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you choose a set of end caps that work best for you.
What Are the Benefits of Using Handlebar End Caps?
End caps are small plastic or metal plugs that cover the end of your handlebars. Most end caps serve two purposes: to keep dirt and water out of the inside of your handlebars and to keep you from impaling yourself on the end of your bars in the event of a crash. Below, we’ll go over some other key reasons why it’s important to use handlebar end caps.
Rust protection
Handlebar end caps protect your bike and handlebars from rust and corrosion. Most handlebars are made of steel, which is highly susceptible to rust, especially if exposed to salt water. End caps help protect the inside of your bars from rain, sleet, moisture, and harsh weather.
Vibration absorption
Another benefit of using handlebar end caps is that they can help absorb vibration. While this is most noticeable on carbon fiber handlebars, end caps can help dampen vibration on any handlebar regardless of what it’s made out of.
Crash protection
Covering the ends of the bars helps prevent the bars from bending or breaking off entirely in the event of a crash. This is especially important on fragile carbon fiber bars, which can easily be damaged in an accident.
How To Pick the Right Handlebar End Caps
Size
The size of the end caps determines if you’ll be able to fit them on your bike or not. Make sure to measure your handlebars first before purchasing bar end caps. Keep in mind that there are different sizes for mountain bikes and road bikes. Mountain bike end caps are generally bigger so they can fit on thicker handlebars. Road bike end caps are smaller since road bike handlebars tend to be thinner.
Finish
The finish of the end cap affects its overall look. There are different finishes available, such as polished, anodized, and powder coated. Each offers particular benefits in terms of functionality and the appearance they offer your bike. If you want a more sleek and elegant look, go for a polished or anodized finish. If you want something more rugged and durable, go for a powder-coated finish.
Color
End caps are available in a wide range of colors. You can choose classic colors like black and silver or choose a more flashy color like red or blue. If you're feeling bold, you can mix and match your end caps for a two-tone effect. No matter your style, there's an end cap color that's perfect for you.
How To Attach Handlebar End Caps to Your Bike
Handlebar end caps are an important part of your bike, but they can be tricky to attach. Here's a quick guide on how to do it:
- Start by removing the handlebar grips from your bike.
- Once the grips are off, look at the handlebar ends. You should see two small holes near the end of each bar. These holes are where the end caps will go.
- Take one of the end caps and line it up against the opening of the handlebar.
- Once the end cap is in place, use a small Phillips head screwdriver to screw it into the handlebar.
- Do the same for the other end of the bar.
- Once both end caps are in place, you can put the handlebar grips back on.
